Here’s how Nintendo Switch 2 preorders will work

The Nintendo Switch 2, the highly anticipated successor to Nintendo’s groundbreaking hybrid console, is officially set to launch on June 5, 2025. With preorders opening in April across major markets, fans are eagerly preparing to secure their spot in line. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about pricing, availability, and the pre-order process, ensuring you’re ready when the time comes.

Release Date and Pricing

The Nintendo Switch 2 will hit shelves on June 5, 2025, with a standard model priced at $449.99 in the U.S. For an extra $50, a bundle including a digital copy of *Mario Kart World* will be available for $499.99. In the UK, the standalone console is set at £395.99, while the bundle costs £429.99.

Each console comes with a comprehensive hardware package, including the Nintendo Switch 2 console, Joy-Con 2 controllers, a Joy-Con 2 Grip, Joy-Con 2 Straps, a Nintendo Switch 2 Dock, an Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable, and an AC Adapter with a USB-C Charging Cable.

Pre-Order Process

Preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 will go live on April 8, 2025, in the UK and Europe, followed by the U.S. and Canada on April 9, 2025. Fans can place their orders through the My Nintendo Store or at major retailers like Best Buy, GameStop, and Amazon.

My Nintendo Store Priority Pre-Orders

Nintendo is introducing a priority pre-order system exclusively for loyal customers. The first wave of invites will be sent to eligible Nintendo Switch Online members on May 8, 2025. To qualify, members must meet specific criteria:

• A Nintendo Switch Online membership active for at least 12 months (or two years in the UK/Europe) as of March 31, 2025.
• At least 50 hours of gameplay logged.
• Users must have opted to share gameplay data with Nintendo and receive promotional emails.

Invitations are non-transferable and valid for 72 hours upon receipt. This system ensures the most dedicated players have early access to the console, rewarding loyalty to the Nintendo ecosystem.

Retail Pre-Orders

For those who miss out on the priority pre-orders or prefer to shop through retailers, companies like Best Buy will begin accepting preorders on April 9, 2025. Best Buy is offering additional perks, such as midnight launches for pickup on release day and trade-in credits for older Nintendo consoles.

Trade-in values include:

• Nintendo Switch OLED: $175
• Original Nintendo Switch: $125
• Switch Lite: $100

These incentives aim to make upgrading to the Switch 2 more accessible and appealing to long-time Nintendo fans.

Design and Hardware Features

The Nintendo Switch 2 builds upon the hybrid concept of its predecessor but introduces notable upgrades. The console features a larger 8.4-inch display, surpassing the 7-inch OLED and 6.2-inch screens of the previous models. The design has been refined to appear more sleek and mature, with subtler Joy-Con accents and a magnetic Joy-Con attachment for enhanced stability.

Under the hood, the Switch 2 is powered by a new Nvidia Tegra T239 chip with Ampere GPU architecture. This upgrade significantly boosts performance, bringing it closer to the capabilities of the PlayStation 4. The hardware now supports advanced features like ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), ensuring improved graphics and smoother gameplay.

Launch Titles and Games

The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch with an impressive lineup of games, including *Mario Kart World* and enhanced versions of *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild* and *Tears of the Kingdom*. Additionally, fans can look forward to new titles such as *Donkey Kong Bananza* and *Kirby Air Riders*.

Nintendo is also offering free or discounted upgrades for select Switch 1 games for players who own the original titles. This initiative aims to make the transition to the new console more accessible and rewarding for existing fans.

Conclusion

The Nintendo Switch 2 represents a significant leap forward in gaming, offering enhanced hardware, a sleek design, and an exciting lineup of games. With its June 5, 2025, release date and competitive pricing, the console is set to captivate both long-time Nintendo fans and newcomers. The priority pre-order system and trade-in incentives make upgrading more accessible, ensuring the Switch 2 is a must-have for gamers in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Nintendo Switch 2 release?

The Nintendo Switch 2 will be released on June 5, 2025.

How much does the Nintendo Switch 2 cost?

The standard model is priced at $449.99 in the U.S. and £395.99 in the UK. A bundle with *Mario Kart World* is available for $499.99 in the U.S. and £429.99 in the UK.

Where can I pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2?

Pre-orders will be available through the My Nintendo Store and major retailers like Best Buy, GameStop, and Amazon starting April 8, 2025, in the UK and Europe, and April 9, 2025, in the U.S. and Canada.

What are the key differences between the Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Switch?

The Switch 2 features a larger 8.4-inch display, improved Nvidia Tegra T239 chip with DLSS support, ray tracing, and a refined design with magnetic Joy-Con attachments.

What games will be available at launch?

Launch titles include *Mario Kart World*, enhanced versions of *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild* and *Tears of the Kingdom*, as well as new titles like *Donkey Kong Bananza* and *Kirby Air Riders*.

Can I trade in my old Switch for the Switch 2?

Yes, retailers like Best Buy offer trade-in credits for older Nintendo Switch models. For example, you can get $175 for a Switch OLED, $125 for the original Switch, and $100 for the Switch Lite.